Rabia GÜRER GÜRKAN – Senior Child Development Specialist | 41+ Years of Experience in Child & Family Education
Professional Background
Rabia GÜRER GÜRKAN is a highly experienced Child Development Specialist with over 41 years of expertise in early childhood education, parent training, and educational consultancy in human relations.
She began her career at the Turkish Ministry of National Education (MEB), where she held various roles including teacher, assistant technical manager, school administrator, vocational student counselor, and family education trainer.
For over 20 years, she contributed to national-level education systems, policy implementation, and institutional development. She later continued her career in the private education sector, serving as school principal, general manager, preschool education specialist, and educational consultant in leading educational institutions across Türkiye.
Her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to innovation, inclusion, and the holistic development of children and families.
International Experience & Projects
Rabia has actively participated in international educational collaborations, including projects supported by the European Union. She proudly represented Türkiye in vocational education programs in the Netherlands, contributing to international dialogue in education reform.
She was also the director of two highly impactful international summer camps:
- Milas Ören International Future Leaders Summer Camp
- “Just Discover” Youth Summer Camp, organized by Mutlu Birey
These programs empowered hundreds of young participants by fostering leadership, critical thinking, and global awareness.
In addition, she created the “Career Days” program, which connected 1,000 students with senior professionals from a wide variety of fields, helping to expand their vision for future careers.
Educational Contributions
Rabia has made significant contributions to curriculum development and teacher training. She designed and implemented the Drama Fundamentals and Drama Development Programs, which were approved and opened for formal training.
Her educational module titled “Children with Chronic Diseases”, developed for the MEB’s METGE Project, was adopted as an official vocational high school textbook and used for many years.
She also served as a guest lecturer at Gazi University, mentoring aspiring educators in teacher practices and pedagogical strategies for two years.
Community Work & Volunteer Education
She has delivered free Ministry-approved Mother–Father–Child education seminars to more than 3,000 parents in Ankara (Balgat, Dikmen) and Gölbaşı rural regions.
Her work reflects a strong commitment to accessible education and social inclusion for underserved communities.
Educational Philosophy
Rabia’s educational philosophy emphasizes that educators are not only transmitters of knowledge but also guides for social responsibility.
“While trainers provide scientific knowledge, they must also help individuals develop the behaviors necessary for social life and become responsible global citizens.”
Her approach integrates emotional intelligence, behavioral development, and social learning for both children and their environments.
Publications & Educational Tools
E-Books
- Complete Baby Nutrition Guide: 0–2 Years (2025)
- My Baby Is Not Eating (2024)
- Childhood Nutrition Myths (2025)
- Supplements for Babies: A Parent’s Quick Guide (2026)
Observation Tools
- 0–18 Age Child, Adolescent & Family Observation Forms
Structured tools for developmental monitoring, family communication, and applied educational projects.
Personal Interests
- Organic and natural production
- Digital photography
- Fishing
She is also a member of TEMA Foundation, actively supporting environmental awareness and sustainability initiatives in Türkiye.
Education
- Preschool Teaching – Gazi University (1983)
- Child Development – Gazi University (1995)
Additional certifications include professional in-service training in human relations from Başkent University.
Closing Statement
“Dedicated to touching lives through education since 1984.”
Rabia GÜRER GÜRKAN
Rabia Gürer Gürkan – Senior Child Development Specialist | 41+ Years of Experience in Child & Family Education 